“The Philippines is one of the most corrupt and lazy societies on Earth. Why would the US want to ally with them?”
Because the gals are some of the most beautiful creatures on the planet?
Lazy? it’s a cultural thing- Mexico, Spain etc have the same, and other countries too. Rich families own/run everything. Their kids get together to keep the money in The Family. Many only want to be Patrons, not do actual work. A third generation running anything well is exceedingly rare.
Yes, the entrenched elites in these countries (and many others) are indolent and only care about making and keeping money and power (sound familiar?). These rest of the people are, by and large hard-working and resourceful. They have to be or they won't survive. The lazy people become beggars or thieves (just like in our country, except we have welfare so we don't have as many beggars).